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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

FSMTB MBLEx Exam Questions

Page 4 of 50

61.

A massage therapist is treating a client with bursitis. Which of the following techniques should not be used when working with this client?

  • Massage directly over the affected area

  • Targeted massage techniques

  • Generalized massage techniques

  • Massage of the surrounding area

Correct answer: Massage directly over the affected area

Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa that sits between muscle and bone to reduce friction. Massage therapy can be very beneficial for clients with bursitis as long as treatment is not performed directly over the bursa. 

General massage and massage of the surrounding area are appropriate for bursitis. Targeted massage, relieving any pathology of muscles controlling the affected joint, may be especially helpful in this case. 

62.

Of the following options, which is not true of an intake procedure?

  • It is performed at the beginning of every session. 

  • It occurs once, before beginning the first session with a new client.

  • It includes a thorough health history of the client.

  • It is a component of record keeping. 

Correct answer: It is performed at the beginning of every session. 

An intake procedure occurs once, before beginning the first session with a new client. It is not performed at the beginning of every session. Instead, each session should begin with a brief reassessment of the client's condition.

Intake procedures are an important component of record keeping. They should include a thorough health history of the client. 

63.

In relation to the elbow, the shoulder is:

  • Proximal

  • Distal

  • Plantar

  • Superficial

Correct answer: Proximal

Proximal is a directional term that describes an area closer to the trunk of the point of origin. The shoulder is proximal to the elbow joint.

Distal describes an area that is situated further away from the trunk or than the point of origin. The ankle is distal to the knee.

Plantar indicates the sole of the foot.

Superficial describes an area closer to the surface of the body than the point of origin. The trapezius is superficial to the intercostals.

64.

A massage therapist is working with a client with acute low back pain. The client has found side-lying to be most comfortable. During the massage session, where should bolsters or pillows be placed when in this position to emphasize client comfort?

  • Under the head, under the top arm, between the knees, under the top foot

  • Under the head, under the bottom hip, between the calves

  • Under the neck, under the buttocks, under the bottom knee

  • Under the neck, under the top arm, under the bottom foot

Correct answer: Under the head, under the top arm, between the knees, under the top foot

This positioning of pillows and bolsters is typically the most comfortable for clients, especially those with acute low back pain. It supports the head and neck, keeps the thoracic and lumbar spine in a neutral position, and supports the hip and legs. Of course, it is always advisable to work with the client to ensure the most comfortable position possible, but this is a good starting point. 

Placing a pillow under the neck does not support the head and will likely lead to discomfort, while a pillow under any of the joints that are on the bottom (the left side of the body if the client is laying on their left side) would also likely be uncomfortable. Emphasis should be placed on "filling spaces" when laying on the side. These include under the head and neck, under the top arm, under the top knee, and under the top foot.

65.

Where does the sciatic nerve arise?

  • L4-S3

  • L3-L4

  • The ventral surface of the brain

  • C5-C8

Correct answer: L4-S3

The sciatic nerve arises from the nerves which exit the spine from L4-S3.

The femoral nerve arises from the nerves exiting the spine from L3-L4. The cranial nerves originate from the ventral surface of the brain. The axillary nerve arises from the nerves exiting the spine from C6-C8. 

66.

Which patient population may present with decreased soft tissue pliability, thinner skin, and decreased muscle and fat tissue?

  • Geriatric

  • Pediatric

  • Athletes

  • Pregnant women

Correct answer: Geriatric

The geriatric population consists of individuals that are 65 years and older. As individuals age, there is a greater tendency for age-related changes and diseases. Massage therapists should note these age-related changes and accommodate them. Geriatric clients may have diminished muscle tissue and decreased fat tissue. Connective tissue is less pliable and joints are less mobile. The skin is thinner and circulation is not as efficient.

67.

Which of the following is not appropriate behavior for an employee?

  • Discussing personal conflicts with clients in order to build rapport

  • Accepting the authority of a supervisor

  • Being loyal and patient

  • Having a positive attitude

Correct answer: Discussing personal conflicts with clients in order to build rapport

A successful massage therapist does not bring personal problems to work. A successful massage therapist accepts the authority of their supervisor (if they have one), is loyal and patient, and has a positive attitude.

68.

The client feels uncomfortable removing any form of clothing for their massage. What is the most appropriate response for a massage therapist?

  • Perform the massage with the client fully clothed.

  • Attempt to convince the client to remove clothing, ensuring full draping.

  • Refuse to massage, as massage over full clothing is not beneficial.

  • Show the client an example of a draped client in the next massage room.

Correct answer: Perform the massage with the client fully-clothed.

It is the responsibility of the massage therapist to ensure the client's privacy, dignity, and comfort during each massage. The client may choose to be fully draped or clothed throughout the treatment. The massage therapist must respect the client and honor their wishes.

Attempting to convince the client to disrobe is inappropriate and disrespectful of the client's dignity. While some techniques are difficult to perform through clothing, such as fascial release, there are plenty of techniques the massage therapist can still utilize in this situation. Therefore, it is inadvisible for the therapist to simply refuse to treat, as this may break the client's trust in the therapist. It is absolutely unethical for the massage therapist to violate another client's privacy by bringing someone else into the room.

69.

Assessment of the dorsalis pedis pulse provides assessment information for the:

  • Cardiovascular system

  • Nervous system

  • Respiratory system

  • Lymphatic system

Correct answer: Cardiovascular system

Assessment of the dorsalis pedis pulse provides assessment information for the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system is responsible for arterial circulation, which is what is assessed when palpating the dorsalis pedis pulse. The dorsalis pedis pulse gives a good indication of the integrity of the circulation to the feet. In people with peripheral vascular disease or diabetes, this pulse can be weakened or impaired.

70.

A person deficient in iron and vitamin K might have difficulty with:

  • The formation of new red blood cells and the blood clotting process

  • The formation of new white blood cells and the ability to fight infections

  • The formation of new plasma and dehydration

  • The formation of new lymphocytes and allergic reactions

Correct answer: The formation of new red blood cells and the blood clotting process

Iron is very important in the formation of new red blood cells, and vitamin K is very important in the blood clotting process. A low level of red blood cells is known as anemia. Difficulty in the clotting process is known as hemophilia.

White blood cell production is not affected by iron or vitamin K. They are involved in the body's immune response.

Plasma is 90% water and most affected by water intake.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell.

71.

When applying a technique with compressive force to the area near the popliteal space, what is important to consider?

  • Slight compressive force for a long period may cause damage to the nerves in this area.

  • Intense brief pressure for a short period can cause damage to the nerves in the area.

  • There are no nerves in this area.

  • Slight compressive force for a short period may cause damage to the nerves in the area.

Correct answer: Slight compressive force for a long period may cause damage to the nerves in the area .

It is important for the therapist to use caution with compression in areas with nerves close to the surface. The popliteal space has many sensitive nerve and vascular structures very close to the surface. Nerves can withstand brief pressure without risk of damage, while long sustained pressure can cause injury. Therefore, sustained deep pressure must be avoided in this area. 

Intense brief pressure is not likely to cause injury to the nerves or vascular structures since nerves can withstand this type of pressure. Slight compressive force for a short period of time is also not likely to damage the nerves.

72.

What is a sprain?

  • The traumatic injury of a ligament

  • The traumatic injury of a tendon

  • An over-stretched muscle

  • Over-stretched fascia

Correct answer: The traumatic injury of a ligament

A sprain is a traumatic injury of a ligament. Ligaments are the soft tissue structures that connect bone to bone. Oftentimes sprains and strains occur simultaneously. A strain is when a tendon or a muscle becomes stretched and injured. For both sprains and strains, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) are indicated to promote healing.

73.

Which of the following options best identifies the pathway of blood through the heart from the body?

  • Body > Vena cava > Right Atrium (RA) > Tricuspid valve > Right Ventricle (RV) > Pulmonic valve > Pulmonary arteries > Lungs

  • Lungs > Pulmonary vein > Left Atrium (LA) > Bicuspid valve > Left Ventricle (LV) > Aortic semilunar valve > Aorta > Body

  • Body > Pulmonary vein > Left Ventricle (LV) > Bicuspid valve > Left Atrium (LA) > Aortic semilunar valve > Aorta > Lungs

  • Lungs > Vena cava > Right Ventricle (RV) > Tricuspid valve > Right Atrium (RA) > Pulmonic valve > Pulmonary arteries > Body

Correct answer: Body > Vena cava > Right Atrium (RA) > Tricuspid valve > Right Ventricle (RV) > Pulmonic valve > Pulmonary arteries > Lungs

The pathway of blood through the heart from the body is as follows: Body > Vena cava > Right Atrium (RA) > Tricuspid valve > Right Ventricle (RV) > Pulmonic valve > Pulmonary arteries > Lungs.

The pathway of blood through the heart from the lungs is as follows: Lungs > Pulmonary vein > Left Atrium (LA) > Mitral valve > Left Ventricle (LV) > Aortic valve > Aorta > Body.

74.

When does vasoconstriction occur?

  • Any type of blood vessel contracts, getting smaller inside

  • A vein contracts, getting smaller inside

  • A vein forcibly contracts, pumping blood to the extremities

  • Any type of blood vessel expands, getting larger inside

Correct answer: Any type of blood vessel contracts, getting smaller inside

Vasoconstriction occurs when any type of blood vessel constricts, getting smaller inside. When this happens in response to inflammation, it is quickly followed by vasodilation, during which the inside of a blood vessel enlarges, flooding the capillary network with arterial blood.

Any type of blood vessel can undergo vasoconstriction. This can occur anywhere in the body, not only in order to bring blood to the extremities.

75.

When opening your own massage therapy business, it is essential to have a clear business plan. Which of the following is not a necessary component of a business plan?

  • Specific client list

  • Operating procedures

  • Advertising and marketing plan

  • Financial projections

Correct answer: Specific client list

Although it is important to identify a target market, it is not essential to include a specific client list when writing a business plan. It is unlikely this information will even be available before the business implements a marketing strategy. 

Components of a business plan typically include personal information, a business description, operating procedures, management and personnel, insurance needs, marketing and competition, advertising and promotion, a location, financial projections, and supporting documents.

76.

A client states he has pain in his upper trapezius region. Upon assessment, the massage therapist discovers a large trigger point in the upper trapezius. Stimulation of this trigger point creates radiating pain along the client's upper arm. Why would the client experience radiating pain with stimulation of this trigger point?

  • It is near a motor nerve point.

  • The deltoid, biceps, and triceps are likely involved as well.

  • The spinal nerve is activated.

  • This client likely has a herniated cervical disc.

Correct answer: It is near a motor nerve point

Trigger points are areas of hypertonic soft tissue and, if they are located near motor points, they can create referred pain. Referred pain is typically distal to the location of the trigger point. Motor points are groups of small, sensitive muscle fibers that can cause the contraction of an entire muscle. Stimulation of the trigger point over or near a motor point will cause this type of referred pain. 

Since the pain is reproduced with treatment/stimulation of the trigger point, it is likely that the cause of the pain is the trigger point. This referral pattern is common with the upper trapezius, so it is unlikely that this pattern is a result of the pathology of the deltoid, biceps, and triceps. The spinal nerves are nerves that exit through the vertebra, and while stimulation of these can cause referred pain, it is not as a result of palpation of a trigger point. While a herniated cervical disc can cause this type of pain, it is not likely since activation of the trigger point caused the referred pain.

77.

Which of the following best represents how all client information should be handled?

  • Confidentially

  • Passionately

  • Openly

  • Superficially

Correct answer: Confidentially

All client records and discussions should be kept confidential and not openly shared with others. HIPAA was enacted in 1996 to mandate that all health-related data be kept confidential. In order to release client information, you must obtain the client’s informed consent.

78.

What do clients seek through a massage from a massage therapist?

  • Well-being

  • Companionship

  • Medication

  • Diagnosis

Correct answer: Well-being

Well-being is what clients seek through a massage from a massage therapist. Massage therapists should keep their massage services professional and avoid any topics that are not related to the massage and its benefits to the client's well-being.

Massage therapists are legally required to work only within their scope of practice, which means that they should not diagnose or medicate their client (this is within the scope of practice for a physician). Clients seeking companionship may be experiencing transference.

79.

If a client is unable to close their lips, which muscle is most likely damaged?

  • Orbicularis oris

  • Masseter

  • Orbicularis oculi

  • Buccinator

Correct answer: Orbicularis oris

If a client is unable to close their lips, it is likely that the orbicularis oris muscle has been damaged. This muscle inserts at the modiolus, which is a fibromuscular mass at the corners of the mouth. It inserts at the skin and fascia of the lips. Its concentric actions are to close the mouth, protract the lips (causing them to protrude anteriorly), and draw the angle of the mouth medially. 

The masseter plays a major role in chewing by elevating the mandible at the TMJ. Orbicularis oculi concentrically closes and squints the eye, depresses the upper eyelid, and elevates the lower eyelid. The buccinator muscle concentrically compresses the cheek against the teeth. 

80.

Four months ago, a high school athlete had a car accident in which she was rear-ended. She immediately saw her doctor and was diagnosed with whiplash. She begins seeing a massage therapist in hopes of reducing her ongoing neck pain. Of the following options, what is the best approach for the massage therapist to take?

  • Apply techniques in the cervicothoracic region while carefully monitoring the client's response to treatment.

  • Refer the client to a doctor for an MRI.

  • Agree to work with her but avoid the cervicothoracic region.

  • Instruct her to return when her pain levels have reduced.

Correct answer: Apply techniques in the cervicothoracic region while carefully monitoring the client's response to treatment.

This client is in the subacute phase of healing from this injury. Treating clients with subacute whiplash is advisable as long as the therapist exercises caution in the area (especially for extension whiplash). Massage can be very effective in reducing pain levels after this type of injury.

Since the client has already been evaluated by a physician and is now in the subacute phase, it is appropriate for the therapist to proceed with treatment. It is not necessary to send her back to her doctor at this point, and it is outside the therapist's scope of practice to recommend an MRI.

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